Private tour in Kyoto Katsuko O
4.6
(5) reviews
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Katsuko O.
5.0
Guide rating
156
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Hello, my name is Katsuko. I was born and grew up in Osaka, later lived in Tokyo, then Singapore and Kyoto. Now I live in Otsu in Shiga prefecture. I have more than 15 years of experience working in a multinational corporation and now working as a national licensed guide-interpreter. One of my hobbies is travelling abroad and so far I have visited more than fifty countries. Kansai area including Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Shiga is the cultural center of Japan and has great historical importance. I can offer you unique experiences in this beautiful area, which can include visits to traditional Japanese gardens, ancient temples and shrines, authentic Japanese cultural experiences. I can guide you around all Kansai area including Osaka, Nara, Shiga (such as Lake Biwa, Hikone, Omihachiman, Shigaraki pottery village etc.), Mt. Koya (Koyasan), Mt. Hiei (Hieizan), Mt. Yoshino, old samurai trails such as Nakasendo/Tokaido and so on. Considering the recent issue of overtourism, one of the highly recommended destinations is Shiga, which is a neighboring prefecture of Kyoto and easily accessible from Kyoto/Osaka, and I have a couple of tours to visit Shiga. Additionally, I can also work as an interpreter, when you require interpretation while experiencing traditional crafts and traditional culture at such workshops. I will endeavor to make sure that you will have an enjoyable and memorable trip. I look forward to guiding you here in Japan. - National Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN00750) - City of Kyoto Visitors Host - Licensed Guide certified by City of Kyoto (EN00054) - Nara Prefectural Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN00036) - Mt. Koya and Kumano Area Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN00195) - International SAKE Sommelier
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Katsuko O.
Kyoto is a paradise for garden lovers. With this tour, you can visit several beautiful Japanese gardens with various styles. This tour will best fit if you would like to feel the art of Japanese gardens and look for time to relax. 1. A pure land style garden Pure land style garden is a style of Buddhist temple garden which intends to reproduce the Pure Land or a Buddhist paradise. 2. A pond and island garden Pond gardens are often designed for a pleasure of walking or sitting in a beautiful environment surrounded by nature. 3. A dry landscape garden (or ZEN garden) Development of Zen gardens was a way to express Zen thoughts. It does not use water and instead expresses water figuratively using materials such as sands and gravels. 4. An early modern naturalistic style garden. 5. Tea garden (Roji garden) The tea garden is a path which leads visitors from the everyday world to the Teahouse, where tea ceremony is held.
A suggested itinerary will be 1. Murina-an -> 2. Nanzen-ji temple -> 3. Nanzen-in -> 4. Ginkaku-ji temple -> (if time permits) 5. Tofuku-ji Komyo-in and Funda-in. The itinerary can also be created by selecting gardens from the listed places in below according to your preference. 1. A pure land style garden - Byodo-in temple 2. A pond and island garden - Ginkaku-Ji temple also known as the silver pavilion 3. A dry landscape garden (or ZEN garden) - Nanzen-Ji, Kennin-Ji, Daitoku-ji, Tofuku-Ji, Ryoan-Ji temple 4. An early modern naturalistic style garden - Murin-an 5. A tea garden (or Roji garden) - Tofuku-Ji Funda-in Other gardens based on your request.
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Public transportation (train, subway) and/or taxi
Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Meeting at your hotel is recommended
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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